The NHS relies on having the equipment and materials it needs in the right place, on time. Items can include anything from drugs and operating theatre supplies, to wheelchairs, parts for ambulance vehicles or the latest piece of radiotherapy equipment. Your work in stores and distribution will include processing orders, maintaining stocks and delivering goods to wards and departments.
You must be literate, good with numbers and have an organised, accurate and methodical approach, as you’ll be sorting and handling expensive stock. You’ll need to be physically fit for lifting, carrying and pushing trolleys, and very personable with colleagues and customers alike.
There are no set entry requirements for stores and distribution assistants. Employers expect a good level of literacy, numeracy and IT. They may ask for GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths along with an IT qualification such as ECDL.
Employers may ask for experience. Even where it is not specified, it can be useful if you have experience in stores and/or distribution. This could be, for example, retail or warehousing work. There may be opportunities to gain relevant experience through an apprenticeship.
We'd love to hear from you. If you'd like to talk to us about apprenticeships and traineeships, email hyp-tr.apprentices@nhs.net
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